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INTERIOR

Accessories take cue from nature

OK, so we may live in the middle of the desert, but who says you can't dream about the sea? New for spring and summer, HomeGoods offers a range of accessories, from fabrics inspired by flora and fauna to furniture and lighting made from natural materials like Chinese fir tree roots, rattan and wicker. And, of course, don't forget about that force of blue inherent in the oceans of the world. Whimsical designs feature row boat serving dishes, cast aluminum fish sculptures, white-washed seahorses, wool-hooked area rugs and tea light candle holders shaped like starfish.

HomeGoods stores are located at 2950 Saint Rose Parkway in Henderson, 228-3041 and at 6670 N. Durango Drive in Las Vegas, 656-1337.

SHEDS

Building a unique backyard paradise

Don't just settle for the run-of-the-mill shed kit when deciding on building an extra storage unit for your backyard. Rather, check out the latest do-it-yourself units outlined in "Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide for Backyard Builders."

As a kid it was a clubhouse, then a treehouse, a hut or a fort that gave author David Stiles the idea for his book. According to him, sheds are simply little houses, and from the look of these beauties you just might want to move out of your ordinary digs and into the little space.

The core chapter presents a comprehensive guide to building the basic 8-foot-by-10-foot shed, big enough to store bikes, tools and garden equipment. But that's all that's basic about the book. Subsequent chapters outline 15 different designs based on an Irish garden shed, a Japanese boathouse, a log cabin and more. In Skill Review, readers will find a rundown of basic tools, skills and materials needed to begin each project.

"Sheds" sells for $19.95 at all major bookstores.